NASA has updated a suite of documents on plans for development of the Moon and Mars. These two celestial bodies are closely related in the solar system research program. The agency is calling for a review of the attitude towards planetary space programs, arguing that public financing should be avoided and the involvement of private parties is necessary.

The three main points of the development of the Moon and Mars remain the same, and only the details change: the creation of compact nuclear reactors that will provide energy to the planet’s infrastructure, the production of a heavy cargo landing lunar module and the deployment of a permanent missile. Base of human existence on the Moon. Each year, NASA adjusts the “architecture” of the Luna-Mars program, taking into account the capabilities of industry and suppliers.

More interesting is the document in which NASA proves the need to “change the paradigm” of ideas about the program to conquer Mars: “Conventional thinking must be challenged and new and creative solutions sought for Mars exploration.”. document titled “Expanding Mars Science: A Plan for a Sustainable Mars Science Program – Mars Exploration Program 2024-2044”Prepared by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (MEP).

Scientists warn that two important questions need to be answered in advance to plan future Mars missions. And if fifty years ago the problem had been reduced to a well-worn expression “Is there life on Mars?” Is it important today to understand how potential habitable space on Mars has changed throughout the planet’s history, whether life has arisen on Mars, and if so, whether it exists today?

Additionally, NASA acknowledges that the agency is no longer one of the few organizations dedicated to targeted exploration of Mars. Initiatives from other countries are developing, the seeds of commercial services for the development of the Red Planet are sprouting. This is also a paradigm shift.

“To remain at the forefront of Mars exploration, MEP must pursue a new and different model: the ability to send more missions to Mars in a cost-effective and achievable manner, and to do so by developing diverse capabilities and connecting the public to research opportunities for Mars exploration.” – the report emphasizes.

The document estimates a “low-cost mission” would cost roughly $100 million to $300 million, excluding launch and mission costs. The cost of a “medium-range strategic mission” is estimated to be approximately $1-2 billion, excluding launch vehicle and mission operations costs.

As for the use of commercial services, the report notes that the joint exploration of Mars “It is essential to use new partnership models with international, commercial and academic communities”. The public-private partnership will be incorporated into NASA’s commercial COTS and commercial lunar payload delivery services (CLPS).

Returning to Mars, NASA emphasizes that the search for life on this planet remains an important undertaking.

“Potential oases for current life or the preservation of ancient life are likely to be found in areas that have historically been more difficult to access, – says the document. “For example, some of the most interesting landscapes on Mars are in the southern hemisphere, where the average surface altitude prevents robotic spacecraft from landing by conventional means.”

But the report hypothesizes that there are other places, such as underground (including caves, underground ice deposits, and volcanic environments), that provide potentially favorable conditions for life. “Where the right chemical and environmental conditions may have allowed life to establish.” At the same time, NASA recognizes that humanity today has a small window of opportunity to find life in situ on Mars. In fact, it will not be available until successes on the Moon in the late 2030s.

NASA’s Mars Exploration Program Director Eric Ianson states in his report that this is necessary. “Challenging conventional thinking and seeking new and creative solutions for Mars exploration” . This may include “Identifying cheaper science discoveries, strengthening our infrastructure around Mars, finding new breakthrough technologies, and creating a community environment that expands participation in Mars exploration.”.